title: The Genetics of Keratoconus: A Review.
abstract: Keratoconus is the most common ectatic disorder of the corneal. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its pathogenesis. The focus of this article is to summarize current research into the complex genetics of keratoconus. We discuss the evidence of genetic etiology including family-based linkage studies, twin studies, genetic mutations, and genome-wide association studies. The genes implicated potentially includeVSX1,miR-184,DOCK9,SOD1,RAB3GAP1,andHGF.Besides the coding mutations, we also highlight the potential contribution of DNA copy number variants in the pathogenesis of keratoconus. Finally, we present future directions for genetic research in the understanding of the complex genetics of keratoconus and its clinical significance. As new functional, candidate genes for keratoconus are being discovered at a rapid pace, the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying keratoconus pathogenesis will advance our understanding of keratoconus and promote the development of a novel therapy.
authors.affiliation: Center for Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA 27710.
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wheeler
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hauser
authors.forename: Natalie A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Afshari
authors.forename: R Rand
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Allingham
authors.forename: Yutao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
keywords: Association; Cornea; DOCK9; GWAS; Genetics; Keratoconus; Linkage; VSX1; miR-184